Flying During Thunderstorm: Are You Safe or Sorry?

Do you have the courage to brave the eye of the thunderstorm? Everyone loves the monsoon season, but what about when there’s a severe thunderstorm warning? They are so moody and perfect when marvelling at the view from indoors, but imagine being close up with the giant storm on a flight. Let’s scare away your biggest flight foe by unveiling a few secrets about flying during thunderstorm because it is safe.

Almost all the fear of flying comes from not knowing enough about how a plane and its pilots master flying in thunderstorm and come out victorious on the other side. Read further to uncover facts that will rain on all your worries, making monsoon your favourite season to explore soon!

Please note: There are various kinds of thunderstorms, some dangerous, some beatable. So, if your flight gets cancelled due to tumultuous weather conditions, it is for a valid reason. However, you shouldn’t hesitate to grab those cheap flight tickets during the monsoon season!

Inside the Mind of the Pilot: How is Aircraft Damage Avoided?

Pilots in an aircraft
Image credit: Unsplash/Blake Guidry

It’s estimated that around 40,000 thunderstorms assail the globe yearly. Does this stop all the flights? Never! Flying during thunderstorm is only possible due to the recent technological advancements and engineering feats. These make flying in thunderstorm feel safe, even with lightning. To make you feel safer when flying through a storm, let’s take a peek at the things pilots do to avoid the thunderstorm completely, fly through it, or fly around it with ease:

Aircraft weather tracking

All modern aircraft have an onboard weather tracking radar, providing colour-coded information regarding storm density so pilots can decide if it’s safer to carry out flying through thunderstorm or go around. The tracking system indicates green for a small shower, yellow or orange marks higher precipitation and red for a full-blown thunderstorm.

They also rely on weather forecast reports to plan trips accordingly and decide if there’s a need to reroute. A plane flying in thunderstorm also receives signals from ground-based radar systems. So, always think you’ve got the best pilot in the world and remain calm aboard.

Distancing the Aircraft

Considering the weather radar information, pilots must fly 20 Nautical Miles away from the stormy area at all times.

Communicating with Other Pilots & ATC

Considering updated storm movements and predictions, the ATC instructs pilots to reroute flights accordingly when flying during thunderstorm. Other pilots who have previously flown through the area direct aircraft behind them and provide real-time updates regarding the storm conditions.

Changing Altitudes

To avoid engine icing at high altitudes, since thunderstorms always contain supercooled water droplets, the aircraft flies above the clouds. The aircraft has anti-icing systems to ensure no buildup. Aircraft also have windshield defoggers, so pilots maintain a clear view of their surroundings even in a storm.

Smooth Take-Off & Landing Planning

Dealing with microburst winds and wind shear is crucial when landing or taking off. Pilots are well-trained under their pilot study to perform such moves, so the passengers need not worry.

Did your aircraft take an emergency landing? No worries! Secure online hotel booking at best rates so you can relax without worrying about the storm and remaining safe. Don’t hesitate to secure all-inclusive holiday tour packages to explore India or international spots in the monsoon because every pilot is a pro at beating the storm!

What are Your Worse Fears? Let’s Address Them

Aircraft landing in storm weather conditions
Image credit: Pixabay/Prashant Pradhan

What is thunderstorm? Thunderstorm meaning a few hours of violent weather conditions, characterised by thunder, lightning, and strong winds. Worried about whether flying in thunderstorm dangerous? Here are some details of the experience you will have onboard while your aircraft is directed through stormy weather. Having a general idea of what you can expect while flying during thunderstorm can prepare you for the worst, hence reducing stress throughout the journey.

Turbulence: The best friend of flying during thunderstorm, turbulence is the most expected occurrence. The ride might feel a bit more bumpy than usual; however, there’s no need to panic, as this does not indicate a crash.

Sudden Electricity disruptions: Lights turned on and off? Does this indicate the electricity is out? Very rarely, as most modern aircraft have backup systems that prevent electricity cuts.

Delays and reroutes along the way: If the pilot finds a safer route to avoid the storm, you bet they will take it. This rerouting might cause some disruptions in your plans; however, it also ensures the safety of those aboard.

Loud sounds (if lightning strikes): Hear a loud bang? That’s probably just lightning hitting the aircraft. Is it something you should be particularly worried about? Read further to know.

Also read: How to Deal with Turbulence: The Do’s and Don’ts for a Smooth Journey.

Busting Myths at Lightning Speed

Thunderstorm in the distance
Image credit: Pixabay/Albrecht Fietz

Most travellers’ mind is fogged by incorrect information about flying during thunderstorm which causes unnecessary fear. Let’s bust those myths so you can be the calm one aboard, prepared for a happy vacation on landing:

Myth: A lightning strike is enough to cause a plane crash.

Fact: Planes can handle lightning. The charge never enters the cabins as the surface is made of aluminium, which keeps lightning at bay. Usually, the charge will hit a wing or the nose of the plane, travel on the plane’s surface, and be dispelled at the tail.

Is there a real danger if it hits the engine? No, as it never reaches the fuel tanks or inside the cabin. The lightning you see when flying during lightning storm is the least of your worries.

Myth: A pilot will fly through a thunderstorm

Fact: As you see in the sections above, pilots avoid flying through the heart of the storm. They will instead fly at the edges or at a safe enough distance to avoid damage of any kind.

If no reroutes are available, the pilot will aim for an emergency landing at nearby airports if the weather is too dangerous for flight.

Myth: Expect a rough landing when there’s a thunderstorm

Fact: Regardless of strong winds or heavy rainfall, pilots are trained to get the plane to land smoothly.

Also Read: Tips to Handle Flight Delays and Cancellations & Fly Stress-Free

What NOT to Do When Flying During Thunderstorm?

Passengers aboard the aircraft
Image credit: Shutterstock/PradeepGaurs

Do not walk around on the flight during thunderstorms. Sit in one place and ensure your seatbelt is on at all times.
Follow instructions as provided by the cabin crew.
Try not to panic, as this will only worsen the situation. Do breathing exercises, meditation, or listen to music to remain calm.
Ensure bags and other belongings are secured in one place.

Any other safe to fly in thunderstorm tips you’ve learned through personal experience? Don’t forget to share them in the comments below! You will receive flight delay compensation whenever necessary.

Worried about losing your money in case of a cancellation due to weather conditions? Read: Denied Boarding by Airline? Here’s How to Get Rs.20,000 Compensation!

Thunderstorm Magnet Destinations Abroad

Thunderstorm moving over land
Image credit: Pixabay/Tobias Hämmer

As per research, it is believed that states in North India are prone to more thunderstorms as compared to other parts of India. However, there is an equal chance of having to be safe to fly in thunderstorm across India in the monsoon season. When flying abroad, select destinations are prone to increased levels of thunderstorm activity. Some of these are:

The Great Plains and destinations in the Midwest are known for their frightening summer storms.
Since there are frequent storms near the Equator region, you can expect a higher chance of thunderstorms in the area of the tropics. These spots include Southeast Asia, Colombia, and the Caribbean.
The areas of the US Southeast and Florida are famously nicknamed the world’s lightning capital.
Some other lightning and storm-prone spots are along the East African Rift Valley, Dagar in Pakistan, Nguti, and Boende.

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FAQs: Flying During Thunderstorm

Can you fly in thunderstorm?
Yes, aircraft can usually fly in thunderstorms if they are mild enough.

Will flights get cancelled due to thunderstorms?
No, not all flights get cancelled due to a thunderstorm. The pilot might look for a different route if one is available or change altitudes to fly over the storm. However, if the conditions are severe and could potentially cause damage, the flights might be delayed or cancelled.

Are you safe in a plane during lightning?
Yes, you are completely safe in a plane during lightning, as most aircraft exterior is lined with aluminium, which is a conductive shell that helps the current smoothly travel along the exterior. It never harms the people inside the plane.

Does flying over storms cause turbulence?
Yes, flying over storms can cause turbulence.

Can a plane take off in a thunderstorm?
Yes, a plane can take off in a thunderstorm, but only if the winds are not too powerful and the conditions are favourable enough.

How do pilots avoid thunderstorms?
Pilots avoid thunderstorms by flying over them or about 20 Nautical miles away from the storm. Pilots can learn about the intensity of the storm using weather tracking in the aircraft or through ATC.

Can turbulence knock a plane out of the sky?
Turbulence is the least likely reason for a crash.

What are the most turbulent air routes?
Some of the top turbulence-heavy air routes between Seoul and Kathmandu, Santiago and Santa Cruz, Kathmandu and Chengdu, etc.

Can airplanes fly in rain and thunder?
Yes, aeroplanes can easily fly in rain and thunder.

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Flying During Thunderstorm: Are You Safe or Sorry?